How to play padel

Are you looking to try padel? Then this quick guide to the sport is for you, including tips on how to hold the racquet, how to keep score and the basic rules.

Can you play padel with tennis balls? Can the ball bounce twice? Can you hit the fence? And can you ever run out of the court during the point? Read on for an introduction to this fun, fast-growing sport.

How do you hold a padel racquet? 

There are a number of different grips you can use when holding a padel racquet. But the most common one, and the one we recommend for beginners, is the Continental Grip. As you improve your level, you'll want to change your grip during points so you can adapt to play particular shots.

For instance, you can change to an Eastern Grip when playing an overhead. But when you’re still new to the sport, stick to the Continental Grip.

Can you play padel with tennis balls? 

This isn't a good idea. You shouldn't be playing padel with tennis balls. Remember that padel balls are made specifically for padel. They are made differently to tennis balls and have a different pressure. If you play padel with a tennis ball that could potentially damage your padel racquet, which is engineered to absorb the impact of a padel ball.

What are the dimensions and layout of a padel court? 

A regulation padel court is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. It's marked with a service line at each end of the court and a centre line. What makes padel unique and so fun are the side and back walls, which are normally made of glass, as well as the side fence.

The height of the back wall is four meters whereas the side wall is three meters high. In the middle of the court is the net dividing the court in two. The net should be 88 centimeters high in the centre, rising to 92 centimeters at the sides.

Is the scoring in padel exactly the same as for tennis? 

Padel follows the same scoring system as tennis: 0, 15, 30, 40 and then game. At 40-40, there are two possibilities in padel. The traditional deuce and advantage, where you must be two points ahead to win the game, or the alternative, playing a golden point.

The pair that takes that golden point wins the game. The first pair to reach six games and be ahead by at least two games wins the set. If pairs are tied on 6-6, you play a tiebreak to 7 points (where you must be two points ahead).

Matches are the best of three sets - you need to win two sets to win. Teams switch sides after an odd number of games.

Can the ball bounce twice in padel?

No. The ball must hit the ground before hitting a wall or fence. After the ball bounces, the player can rebound it off the wall. But the ball can only bounce once on the ground. Or you can hit a volley (when you hit the ball without it bouncing).

Can you hit the fence in padel? 

Yes. Your shot can hit the fence but only after the ball has bounced on the ground. The only exception to this rule is the serve - hitting the fence isn't ever allowed.

Can you run out of the court during a point?

Yes. If your opponent has hit the ball out of the court, you're allowed to run outside and hit the ball back in.

How do you serve in padel? 

The serve must be hit from behind the service line. You serve cross court - the ball has to bounce in the service box diagonally opposite. You drop the ball to your side, let it bounce once, and then hit it, making sure that the point of impact is below waist height.

If, after the first bounce, the ball hits the side fence, that's not a valid serve. It can hit the wall or side wall after bouncing but that's not required. Like in tennis, each player has two serves, so if you make a mistake with your first serve, you get a second try. But if you make another mistake with your second serve, that's a double fault and you lose the point.

Is positioning important in padel? 

Padel is a doubles game – you always play with a partner and never on your own in singles. As you and your partner are a team, you need to pay close attention to where you both are on the court. Positioning is one of the key factors to control a game.

Coordination and tactics are very important. There are two standard positions in padel. Defence behind the service line, and attack close to the net. If you're in between those two positions, that's not ideal, unless you're transitioning from defence to attack or the other way around.

Do you need an umpire for a padel match? 

Unless you're playing a match in a professional tournament, there's no need for an umpire. Even when you're playing to win, padel is about having fun and enjoying the game.